Cambridge IGCSE English Literature 0475: Command words

Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English (0475) uses the standard Cambridge command words. Questions appear across Paper 1 (Poetry and Prose) and Paper 2 (Drama). Mark schemes use level descriptors to assess how well you demonstrate analytical and evaluative skills. Understanding command words helps you target the right skills.

Command words for Literature 0475

Command word	What to do in Literature	Common mistake
Explore	Examine in depth; consider different aspects	Surface-level response
Analyse	Examine in detail; show meaning; identify elements and relationships	Only identifying techniques
Evaluate	Judge quality, importance or value; make informed assessment	No judgement
Compare	Similarities and/or differences between texts/parts	Listing separately
Contrast	Differences only	Including similarities
Describe	What happens; key features; no “why”	Adding analysis when not asked
Explain	Why or how; use “because”; link to effect	Only describing
Discuss	Explore aspects; consider different views; conclude	One-sided
Assess	Judge importance; conclude	Description only
Comment on	Give view on language/effect; support with evidence	Unsupported statement
How does the writer	Analyse technique and effect	Just identifying quote
What do you learn	Infer from text; explain	Literal only
In what ways	Identify and explain ways	One way only
To what extent	Judge degree; conclude	No judgement
How far	Judge extent; conclude	No judgement
Support your answer	Use quotations; integrate evidence	No quotes or weak integration

Critical: Use of quotations

For Literature, quotations are essential. Integrate them into your argument—don’t just drop them in. Explain how the quotation supports your point and what effect it creates. “Support your answer with reference to the text” means use specific quotations.

Critical: Analyse vs Evaluate

• Analyse—break down the text; show how language, structure, form create meaning; identify relationships.
• Evaluate—judge the quality, effectiveness or value; make an informed assessment; conclude.

Both may be required in the same question. Analyse first, then evaluate.

What examiner reports say

• Analyse—candidates identify techniques (e.g. simile, metaphor) but don’t explain effect or meaning.
• Evaluate—candidates describe without judging; no conclusion on quality or effectiveness.
• Quotations—missing, too long, or not integrated into the argument.
• Explore—surface-level; need to examine in depth and consider different aspects.
• Compare—listing features of A then B without linking; need comparative language.
• Context—when asked, integrate into the argument; don’t bolt on at the end.
• Personal response—mark schemes reward engagement with the text; avoid generic statements.

Level descriptors

Literature uses level descriptors rather than point-marked schemes. Examiners assess:

• Knowledge—understanding of the text.
• Analysis—how you examine language, structure, form.
• Evaluation—how you judge and conclude.
• Use of evidence—quotations and references.
• Personal response—engagement with the text.

Higher levels require developed analysis, integrated quotations and clear evaluation.

Tips for Literature 0475

1. Underline the command word—Analyse needs effect; Evaluate needs judgement.
2. Use quotations—integrate; explain effect; don’t just cite.
3. Analyse—technique + effect + meaning (how does it work? what does it show?).
4. Evaluate—conclude; judge quality or effectiveness.
5. Compare—use comparative language: “both…”, “whereas…”, “unlike…”.
6. Personal response—show engagement; avoid generic “it is good because…”.
7. Past papers + mark schemes show level descriptors.

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Based on Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English 0475 syllabus and mark schemes. Check the latest syllabus for your exam series.